Ten of the 34 (demonstrators) found reactive have obviously tested positive (for COVID-19)Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have confirmed that 10 demonstrators arrested on charges of rioting during rallies against the job creation law on October 8, 2020 have tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
During the rallies, police had arrested 1,192 demonstrators, 34 of whom were found reactive to COVID-19 in rapid tests, chief of the public relations section of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Yusri Yunus, said here on Wednesday.
Ten of the demonstrators were declared positive for COVID-19 after undergoing swab tests.
“Ten of the 34 (demonstrators) found reactive have obviously tested positive (for COVID-19),” Yunus said.
He said the 10 demonstrators have been taken to the isolation facility in Pademangan, North Jakarta, for treatment.
“So, we have sent all of them to Pademangan, where asymptomatic people are being sheltered,” he informed.
They are being treated in Pademangan in accordance with the health protocols. “We are giving them medicines, vitamins, and food there,” he said.
The number of people found reactive to and testing positive for COVID-19 will likely increase as the police have arrested another 1,377 demonstrators over their alleged involvement in violent rallies on Tuesday (October 13, 2020).
Forty-seven of the demonstrators who took part in Tuesday’s rallies have been found reactive to COVID-19, according to police.
“Last night, we sent the 47 people found reactive (to Pademangan). In accordance with the health protocols, we must conduct swab tests on them. If they are found negative, they will be sent home, and if they are found positive, they will be treated," Yunus said.
Related news: Jakarta police detain 500 for stone-pelting
Related news: Political turmoil amid COVID-19, economic recession can add to burden
Translator: Fianda Sjofjan R/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
